Map

Description

This 8,500 square foot mansion was built on the "Gold Coast" of Prospect Avenue in 1888. A combination of both Queen Anne and Romanesque Revival styles, the house was designed by the well-known Milwaukee architect, Alfred C. Clas for clothing manufacturer Emanuel Adler.

The Adler house became a rooming house in 1935 and although much of the original hardware and woodwork has been lost over the years, many pieces remain and have been restored. The grand staircase, which would never pass modern fire codes, was saved by virtue of adding a fire-rated stairway, with wheelchair lift, on the back of the house.

Many of the remaining mansions of the Gold Coast are endangered because of rising property values and general disdain for older structures. However, rising awareness of the historical and intrinsic value of these structures is fueling a drive to restore and repurpose the former mansions.

This gem is a prime example of cooperative efforts between government and restorers to preserve these wonderful examples Milwaukee's colorful past.

National Register information

Status

Posted to the National Register of Historic Places on September 13, 1991